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Montado

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description Montado Overview

Montado is a traditional oak agroforestry system characteristic of southern Portugal, particularly the Alentejo region. It is defined by scattered cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus ilex) trees growing on managed land where livestock such as pigs, sheep, and cattle graze beneath the canopy. The system produces cork, harvested from cork oaks roughly every nine to twelve years, alongside livestock products and acorn-fed ham. A comparable system known as dehesa exists in adjacent regions of Spain, and both are recognized for their biodiversity value.

help Montado FAQ

What exactly is a Montado agroforestry system?

The Montado is a traditional oak agroforestry system characteristic of southern Portugal, particularly the Alentejo region. It is defined by scattered oak trees growing on managed land that simultaneously supports agricultural activities.

What types of trees are predominantly found in the Montado ecosystem?

The system is primarily defined by the presence of cork oak (*Quercus suber*) and holm oak (*Quercus ilex*) trees. The cork oaks are incredibly valuable, as their thick bark is legally harvested every 9 to 12 years to produce commercial cork.

How does the Montado support local agricultural practices and livestock?

The land beneath the trees is used to graze livestock, including the famous black Iberian pigs, sheep, and cattle. The pigs feed heavily on the acorns dropped by the oak trees in the autumn, which gives their meat a highly prized, nutty flavor profile.

What are the main environmental threats to the Montado ecosystem in Portugal?

The Montado is currently threatened by climate change, specifically through increasing droughts and desertification in the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, diseases like root rot caused by the *Phytophthora cinnamomi* pathogen are killing off mature trees at an alarming rate.

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